USA Olympic Preview: 10 Athletes to Watch in Milan-Cortina 2026
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo promise to be a memorable showcase of elite athleticism, and Team USA enters the Games with a deep roster of stars and rising talents. After finishing with the fifth-most medals at Beijing 2022, the United States will be looking to improve on that performance in Italy. Here are 10 Americans who could be central to the nation’s medal hopes over the next 16 days of competition.
Chloe Kim – Snowboarding
Chloe Kim remains one of the most dynamic figures in women’s snowboarding. A two-time Olympic gold medallist, Kim overcame a shoulder labrum tear just weeks before the Games and continues to push the progression of her sport. Her experience and competitive fire make her a favourite in the women’s halfpipe event.
Ilia Malinin – Figure Skating
Known as the “Quad God” for his unmatched technical abilities, Malinin has dominated men’s figure skating in recent seasons. A multiple world and Grand Prix champion, he arrives in Milan as arguably the top contender for Olympic gold. His historic quadruple Axel and backflip combinations have redefined the sport’s boundaries.
Lindsey Vonn – Alpine Skiing
One of the most celebrated ski racers in history, Lindsey Vonn returned from retirement with unfinished business. After overcoming multiple injuries and surgery, she secured World Cup wins in the lead-up to the Olympics. Though a recent crash has introduced uncertainty about her status, Vonn’s story remains one of resilience and quest for Olympic glory.
Auston Matthews – Ice Hockey
One of the NHL’s most prolific scorers, Auston Matthews, will make his Olympic debut with Team USA as NHL players return to the Winter Games for the first time since 2014. A leader and difference-maker in every zone, Matthews will be central to the U.S. bid for hockey success.
Mikaela Shiffrin – Alpine Skiing
Mikaela Shiffrin is widely regarded as one of the greatest alpine skiers ever. After an uncharacteristic Beijing performance, she enters Milan with a lighter schedule focused on her strongest events, including slalom and giant slalom. Her consistency and skill make her a perennial medal threat.
Red Gerard – Snowboarding
Gold medallist in slopestyle at PyeongChang 2018, Red Gerard remains a key figure on the U.S. snowboarding team. A veteran competitor with X Games titles to his name, Gerard brings a blend of technical prowess and competitive calm that could translate to podium success in Milan.
Hilary Knight – Women’s Ice Hockey
One of the greatest names in U.S. women’s hockey history, Hilary Knight will captain Team USA in what is expected to be her final Olympic appearance. With multiple world championship titles and an illustrious international career, Knight’s leadership and experience will be invaluable on the ice.
Jordan Stolz – Speed Skating
Jordan Stolz has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of long-track speed skating, breaking records and sweeping major events. At just 21, he has already drawn comparisons to legends of the sport. Milan could be the stage where Stolz adds Olympic hardware to his growing legacy.
Kaillie Humphries – Bobsled
A decorated bobsled pilot with multiple Olympic medals to her name, Kaillie Humphries returns for her fifth Games. Now competing for the United States, her combination of experience, strength, and tactical skill keeps her among the top medal contenders in both monobob and two-woman events.
Campbell Wright – Biathlon
A dual-citizen athlete who previously competed for New Zealand, Campbell Wright has emerged as a leading figure in U.S. biathlon. With international medals on the World Cup circuit and strong results at the 2025 World Championships, he represents the best U.S. chance to break through in a sport where the country has yet to medal.
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics are poised to deliver compelling storylines across disciplines, and these Americans will be at the centre of the action as the Games unfold. Some will look to cement their legacies; others will aim for breakthrough moments that could define their careers.
Source: The Score
Image Credit: AI generated Image
